AHRI Signs Standards Agreement with Saudi Arabia and UAE Mar 17, 2010

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Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) President and CEO Stephen Yurek traveled to the Middle East to sign cooperative agreements with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Association (SASO) and the United Arab Emirates' Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority, ESMA. The agreements aim to further harmonize HVACR and water heater testing and rating standards globally.

The agreement calls for SASO and ESMA to adopt AHRI's standards as Saudi and UAE national standards, respectively, in some cases with regional adaptations.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE are placing a new emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental protection. AHRI made personal visits in November 2009 and February 2010 to signal its intent to work closely with these governments to use AHRI standards and performance certification programs, helping them meet environmental goals and to help further global harmonization of standards and certification programs.

"This agreement is an important first step in what we hope and expect will be on ongoing, very productive relationship," Yurek said. "Our active involvement in this region not only helps us expand our global reach, but also helps our member companies that do business in the region compete on a level playing field with other manufacturers."

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